Devotionals

We are circumcised in the heart when we are baptized into Christ — not in the mere participation in the washing with water but at the moment the reality to which the sacrament points is ours, namely, the moment we ...Read More

Christ Jesus is worthy of our highest allegiance because of all that He does for us. As our Prophet, He guides us in the paths of righteousness through His Word. As our Priest, He guarantees the salvation of those who ...Read More

As Christians, we are all too often ridiculed when we do not agree with our culture’s permissive attitude towards sexuality and substance abuse, or with the embrace of relativity and disrespect for authority figures. When people make fun of you ...Read More

In the midst of trouble and suffering, it can be difficult to believe that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. So often it is easier to despair, believing that God has abandoned us and that He will not ...Read More

Augustine reminds us that “the touch of the Lord is the hand of the Lord, chastising and giving life” (Works of St. Augustine, 31:223). Too many Christians today run after the abundant, life-giving touch of God without being willing to ...Read More

Paul exhorts us to “greet one another with a holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16). The way in which we can appropriately convey the love of God physically differs from culture to culture. But whether it is a handshake, hug, or kiss, ...Read More

Matthew Henry comments, “Those who aim at a great name commonly come off with a bad name.” In our sin, all of us want to promote our fame at the expense of humble service to the Lord. How do you ...Read More

Just as the first missionaries took the ministry of the Good News to their own first, in some sense we also have home ministry obligations to the family of God which should take precedence over those outside the covenant community. ...Read More

In placing the transfiguration of Christ in between two predictions of suffering and death (Matt. 16:21–28; 17:9–13), God provides assurance that trouble will not always be the lot of His Son and His people. When adversity tempts us to despair ...Read More

Read Philippians 2:1–11 and Galatians 5:13–26. Have you pursued earthly success in order to fulfill your ambition? If so, consider giving up those positions or pursuits in obedience to God. In what other ways do you seek to exalt yourself? ...Read More